The aroma of pizza is universally enticing. But what if you could elevate that experience by cooking your pizza outdoors, using the power of your trusty barbecue? The answer, emphatically, is yes! Cooking pizza on a BBQ is not only possible but can yield incredible results, delivering a smoky flavor and crispy crust that traditional ovens often struggle to achieve. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right equipment to mastering the cooking techniques.
Why Cook Pizza on a BBQ? The Advantages
Forget ordering takeout. Cooking pizza on a barbecue opens up a world of culinary possibilities and offers several distinct advantages over conventional methods.
One of the most significant benefits is the intense heat a BBQ can generate. Many barbecues can reach temperatures far exceeding those of a standard kitchen oven, often surpassing 700°F (370°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving that coveted Neapolitan-style crust – crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, with those beautiful charred spots known as “leoparding.”
Beyond the heat, a barbecue imparts a unique smoky flavor to the pizza. The subtle infusion of wood or charcoal smoke elevates the taste profile, adding a layer of complexity that simply can’t be replicated indoors. This smoky essence complements a wide range of toppings, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Cooking pizza outdoors also transforms the pizza-making process into a social event. Gathering around the BBQ with friends and family, everyone can participate in creating their own personalized pizzas, making it a fun and interactive experience.
Choosing Your BBQ: Gas vs. Charcoal
The type of barbecue you own – gas or charcoal – will influence the cooking method and the final result. Both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to pizza.
Gas BBQs: Convenience and Control
Gas barbecues offer unparalleled convenience and precise temperature control. They heat up quickly, allowing you to start cooking within minutes, and the adjustable burners provide consistent and even heat distribution. This makes them ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more predictable cooking experience.
However, gas barbecues typically don’t reach the same scorching temperatures as charcoal grills, and they don’t impart as much smoky flavor. To compensate, you can use a pizza stone or steel to enhance heat retention and consider adding wood chips in a smoker box to infuse a smoky aroma.
Charcoal BBQs: Flavor and Intensity
Charcoal barbecues are renowned for their ability to generate intense heat and impart a rich, smoky flavor. The burning charcoal provides a more robust and authentic barbecue experience, resulting in a pizza with a distinct character.
However, charcoal BBQs require more skill and attention. Maintaining a consistent temperature can be challenging, and it takes longer to preheat the grill. You’ll also need to experiment with different charcoal arrangements to create the ideal cooking environment.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferences and experience level. If you prioritize convenience and precise temperature control, a gas BBQ is a great option. If you value smoky flavor and enjoy the challenge of mastering charcoal cooking, a charcoal BBQ is the way to go.
Essential Equipment for BBQ Pizza
While a BBQ is the core component, several other pieces of equipment are essential for successful pizza cooking.
Pizza Stone or Steel: The Foundation
A pizza stone or steel is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. These materials absorb and retain heat, providing a hot surface that quickly cooks the pizza base. Pizza stones are typically made from ceramic or cordierite, while pizza steels are made from, well, steel.
Pizza stones are porous and heat up more slowly than steel. They are prone to cracking if exposed to rapid temperature changes.
Pizza steels heat up quickly and retain heat incredibly well. They are virtually indestructible and can withstand extremely high temperatures. Because of this, pizza steels generally produce a crispier crust.
The best choice depends on your budget and preferences. Steel is more expensive but generally regarded as the superior option.
Pizza Peel: Transferring Your Creation
A pizza peel is a wide, flat spatula used to transfer the pizza to and from the hot stone or steel. It prevents the pizza from sticking and makes it easy to maneuver. Peels come in wood and metal.
Wooden peels are less likely to scratch your stone or steel. However, they can be harder to clean.
Metal peels are easy to clean and can be thinner, making it easier to slide under the pizza.
Dusting your peel with flour, semolina, or cornmeal prevents the dough from sticking.
Infrared Thermometer: Accurate Temperature Readings
An infrared thermometer allows you to accurately measure the surface temperature of your pizza stone or steel. This is crucial for ensuring that the cooking surface is hot enough to achieve a crispy crust.
Pizza Cutter: Slicing and Serving
A sharp pizza cutter is essential for slicing your perfectly cooked pizza into even slices. Choose a cutter with a comfortable handle and a durable blade.
Preparing Your BBQ for Pizza Perfection
Proper preparation is key to successful BBQ pizza. Here’s how to set up your grill for optimal results.
Gas BBQ Setup
Preheat your gas BBQ to the highest temperature setting. Place your pizza stone or steel on the grill grates and allow it to heat up for at least 30 minutes. This ensures that the stone or steel is thoroughly heated and ready to cook the pizza.
If you want to add a smoky flavor, place wood chips in a smoker box or wrap them in foil and poke holes to allow the smoke to escape. Place the smoker box or foil packet directly on the burners.
Charcoal BBQ Setup
For charcoal BBQs, use the two-zone cooking method. This involves arranging the charcoal on one side of the grill, creating a hot zone for cooking the pizza and a cooler zone for indirect heat. This allows you to control the cooking process and prevent the pizza from burning.
Light the charcoal and allow it to burn until it is covered with a layer of gray ash. Arrange the hot coals on one side of the grill. Place your pizza stone or steel on the grill grates, covering both the hot and cool zones. Allow the stone or steel to heat up for at least 30 minutes.
Mastering the Dough: The Foundation of Great Pizza
The dough is the foundation of any great pizza. A well-made dough will result in a light, airy, and flavorful crust.
You can either make your own dough from scratch or purchase pre-made dough from a grocery store or pizzeria. Making your own dough allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.
A basic pizza dough recipe typically includes flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. Experiment with different types of flour, such as 00 flour or bread flour, to achieve different textures.
Allow the dough to rise for at least an hour, or preferably longer, to develop its flavor and texture. Punch down the dough and divide it into individual portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle or oval.
Toppings: Unleash Your Creativity
The possibilities are endless when it comes to pizza toppings. From classic combinations like pepperoni and mozzarella to more adventurous creations, the choice is yours.
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and flavorful basil will elevate your pizza to the next level.
Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings, as this can make it difficult to cook evenly and result in a soggy crust. Less is often more.
Consider the cooking time and temperature when selecting your toppings. Some toppings, such as vegetables, may need to be pre-cooked to ensure they are cooked through.
Cooking the Pizza: The Moment of Truth
Now for the exciting part: cooking your pizza on the BBQ.
Carefully slide the prepared pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or steel using your pizza peel.
Close the lid of the BBQ and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Use your pizza peel to remove the pizza from the BBQ and place it on a cutting board.
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Troubleshooting Common BBQ Pizza Problems
Even with careful preparation, you may encounter some challenges when cooking pizza on a BBQ. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Soggy Crust: Ensure that your pizza stone or steel is preheated to a high temperature. Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings. Consider using a pizza screen to elevate the pizza and allow for better air circulation.
Burnt Crust: Reduce the temperature of your BBQ or move the pizza to a cooler zone. Consider using a pizza stone or steel, which provides more even heat distribution.
Uneven Cooking: Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Ensure that your BBQ is properly preheated and that the heat is evenly distributed.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques, you can experiment with more advanced methods to further elevate your BBQ pizza game.
Neapolitan-Style Pizza: Achieve a truly authentic Neapolitan-style pizza by using 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Cook the pizza at an extremely high temperature (around 900°F or 480°C) for a very short amount of time (60-90 seconds).
Wood-Fired Pizza: Replicate the flavor of a wood-fired oven by adding wood chunks or chips to your charcoal BBQ. Use a pizza oven attachment for your BBQ to create a more enclosed cooking environment.
Grilled Pizza: Grill the pizza dough directly on the grill grates before adding toppings. This imparts a smoky flavor and creates a unique texture.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping Your BBQ Pizza-Ready
Proper cleaning and maintenance will ensure that your BBQ and pizza equipment last for years to come.
Clean your pizza stone or steel after each use by scraping off any burnt food particles. Avoid using soap or water, as this can damage the stone or steel.
Clean your BBQ grill grates regularly to remove grease and food residue.
Store your pizza peel and other accessories in a dry place.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious BBQ pizza for years to come.
Can I really cook pizza on my BBQ?
The key to success lies in proper preparation and temperature control. You’ll need to preheat your grill to a high temperature, ideally between 450 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a pizza stone is highly recommended as it helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents the crust from burning. With a little practice, you’ll be churning out delicious BBQ pizzas in no time.
What type of BBQ works best for cooking pizza?
Gas grills, on the other hand, offer more precise temperature control and are easier to maintain at a consistent heat. This is helpful for those who are new to cooking pizza on a BBQ. While they may not impart as much smoky flavor as charcoal grills, they still provide a fantastic way to cook pizza outdoors, especially if you use wood chips in a smoker box.
Do I need a pizza stone to cook pizza on a BBQ?
Without a pizza stone, the bottom of the pizza is more likely to burn before the toppings are cooked through. The stone creates a buffer between the flames and the dough, ensuring a more even and controlled cooking process. For the best results, preheat the pizza stone on the grill for at least 30 minutes before adding the pizza.
What temperature should my BBQ be for cooking pizza?
Using a grill thermometer is essential to accurately monitor the temperature. You can adjust the vents on a charcoal grill or the burner settings on a gas grill to reach and maintain the desired temperature. Remember that preheating the grill and the pizza stone for at least 30 minutes is crucial for achieving the best results.
How long does it take to cook a pizza on a BBQ?
Keep a close eye on the pizza while it’s cooking, rotating it occasionally to ensure even browning. The crust should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. Use a pizza peel to easily remove the pizza from the grill once it’s cooked to your liking.
What are some tips for preventing my pizza from sticking to the pizza stone?
Additionally, make sure the pizza stone is properly preheated. A hot stone will help to immediately set the crust, reducing the likelihood of sticking. Working quickly when transferring the pizza from the peel to the stone is also important. A swift and confident movement will minimize the chances of the dough snagging on the peel.
Can I use pre-made pizza dough on the BBQ?
Just make sure the dough is at room temperature before stretching it out. This will make it easier to work with and prevent it from tearing. Also, be mindful of the thickness of the dough. Thinner crusts will cook faster on the BBQ and are less likely to become doughy in the center. Experiment with different brands and types of pre-made dough to find your favorite.